Macedonian fruits, vegetables and processed products with great export potential through Lidl

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MAFWM) and Lidl North Macedonia organized a working meeting with Macedonian producers of agricultural products. The event was attended by collaborators and representatives of the Macedonian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives, the Network of Agricultural Cooperatives and the Macedonian Association of Processors. The focus of the meeting was on quality, the criteria for selecting partners and the principles according to which Lidl develops its private labels, as well as export potentials through Lidl’s network.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Cvetan Tripunovski, the cooperation with Lidl can be a bridge for greater placement and promotion of Macedonian agricultural products and processing. "We need to work together both as a ministry and as farmers to better meet certain standards in production, because only in this way can more Macedonian agricultural products reach the markets not only in the region, but also beyond," Tripunovski stressed.

Lidl representatives emphasized that the company works exclusively with partners who can provide quantities of fruit and vegetables, in line with the highest international standards. The following basic prerequisites for cooperation were emphasized: GLOBALG.AP – a standard for good agricultural practice that provides trust and access to new markets, GRASP – a module that checks social responsibility and worker protection, as well as IFS – a global standard that guarantees food safety and quality and optimization of production processes.

"Quality is the foundation of our work and the main criterion when selecting partners for Lidl's private labels. Through cooperation with local producers, we want to build long-term relationships based on trust, standards and transparency, and for consumers to be sure that every product on our shelves is safe, fresh and of proven quality," said Stefan Georgiev, commercial director of Lidl North Macedonia.

Additional criteria for working with Lidl include delivery in refrigerated facilities at strictly defined temperatures, appropriate packaging, wrapping and palletizing, as well as regular pesticide residue analyses in accredited laboratories. The aim is to ensure continuity and reliability in the quality of the offer.

In 2024, the export of Macedonian products through the Lidl network to neighboring countries amounted to around 5 million euros, and this amount is expected to double by 2025. With this event, Lidl once again confirmed its commitment to supporting Macedonian farmers in the process of modernization, certification and development of competitive products that will be recognized on the European market.